Tulare County Office of Education

Olweus Bullying Prevention

Olweus Bullying Prevention is a multi-level, multi-component school-based program designed to prevent or reduce bullying in elementary, middle, and junior high schools (students 6 to 15 years). The program attempts to restructure the existing school environment to reduce opportunities and rewards for bullying. School staff is largely responsible for introducing and implementing the program. Their efforts are directed toward improving peer relations and making the school a safe and positive place for students to learn and develop.

While intervention against bullying is particularly important to reduce the suffering of the victims, it is also highly desirable to counteract these tendencies for the sake of the aggressive student, as bullies are much more likely than other students to expand their antisocial behaviors. Research shows that reducing aggressive, antisocial behavior may also reduce substance use and abuse.

Internet Resources

www.bullyingresearch.com
- a connection to bullying prevention websites and resources worldwide
Stopbullyingnow.com
- articles, resources, and an overview of bullying prevention strategies
Stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov
- U.S. National Anti-bullying Campaign. Site for "tweens" ages 9 through 13. Games, webisodes, activities. Adult section contains many research-based fact sheets written for various professions and for parents.
Raven Days
- a site for outsiders who are being bullied at school, for adults who remember what it was like to be bullied, and for those who want to help.

For more information, contact Tom Byars at tbyars@tcoe.org or phone (559) 651-0155.

Tulare County Office of Education
CHOICES
7000 Doe Avenue
Building 300
Visalia, CA 93291

Tom Byars , Program Manager
(559) 651-0155
fax: (559) 651-0172

Please direct web site problems or comments to tcoeweb@tcoe.org.